East Ridge and Red Bank played to the ultimate duel in soccer Friday night at Red Bank: penalty kicks. After a back and forth district 6-A/AA semifinal could not be decided in regulation or overtime, the Lady Pioneers took the victory 3-2 on penalty kicks.
The East Ridge offense created chances throughout the game, with their first coming from the penalty spot in the tenth minute, but the ball sailed over the crossbar. The Lady Lions responded when KiKi Evers took a pass from the midfield all the way to the goal and slipped the ball past the Lady Pioneers keeper.
East Ridge failed to capitalize against a stingy Red Bank defense, but earned their second penalty kick at the end of the first half. This time, Kayla Deck banged one off the left post and into the right side of the net to even the score.
"That was huge for us," East Ridge coach Jeremy McIntyre said. "Going into the half 1-1 gave us more confidence going into the second half. We knew this was going to be a grudge match between two evenly matched teams."
Defense reigned supreme in the second half, with both teams fighting back chances. Senior Katie Sneed came up big for Red Bank in the goal, racking up seven saves, as East Ridge fired 16 shots throughout the game.
"She is one of two seniors on defense who lead by example," said Lady Lions coach Wade Il Vento. "They didn't want this to be their last game, and they really showed that out there.
The Lady Pioneer defensive front, held strong as well, turning away chances, and limiting the Lady Lions to five shots.
"I told the girls to play patient, smart defense, because Red Bank has two dynamic players up front," McIntyre said.
The battle continued in overtime, with neither team able to break through to nab the win. Sneed and East Ridge keeper Juana Lucara both proved to be vital assets to their team in penalty kicks, as well, with each picking up multiple saves.
However, Lucara -- who put in a penalty kick of her own -- and and the Lady Pioneers hit their last three kicks after missing the first two to claim the victory.
"I cant complain about the effort," Il Vento said. "I hate that it had to end that way, and I would have liked to have played five or ten more minutes, but that's the way it goes."
East Ridge will play Hixson for the district title Friday at 5:30.
"They are a really tough team, and we can't make any mistakes because they have killer players that can shoot," McIntyre said. "It's always a fun battle."